Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/630729
78 Section 6 The glare from the windows was causing a variety of occupant complaints in this building and was disrupting the workers' ability to use the video display terminals. Complaints such as headaches are sometimes incorrectly blamed on poor indoor air quality. Noise Noisy surroundings can reduce the ability to concentrate and produce stress-related symptoms such as headaches. Noise can also contribute to job dissatisfaction, particularly if the problem is caused by overcrowding or other factors likely to produce a sense of substandard work conditions. The ear gets used to sounds quickly, so it is possible for a complainant to be unaware of a constant or regular sound. Investiga- tors should recognize that noise can be a source of stress, even if it is not reported as a problem and is within current industrial exposure criteria (which are designed primarily to prevent hearing loss). Vibration Low-frequency vibration is another source of stress that may go unreported by building occupants or become confused with pollutant problems. Vibration can be caused by nearby machinery or movement of the building as a whole; motion sickness has been reported in some high rise buildings that sway in the wind. Ergonomic Stressors Fatigue, circulatory problems, and other physical problems can be produced by furniture that is mismatched to the task, such as chairs that are the wrong height for computer terminals. If IAQ investigators inquire about whether new furniture has recently been installed in the problem area (to determine if the furniture could be contributing to increased contaminant levels), they should also ask about whether the occupant finds the furniture comfortable. Job-related Psychosocial Stressors It is well documented that various job- related psychosocial conditions can produce symptoms in workers. Excessive workload and work pressure are easily recognized job stressors. Lack of clarity about what is expected of the worker (role ambiguity) and the presence of conflicting expectations (role conflict) are also commonly encountered stressors in modern organizations. Poor interpersonal relations, management styles that allow little participation in decision-making, and factors related to career development are also thought to be potentially stressful. FORMING AND TESTING HYPOTHESES As the building investigation progresses, you should be developing one or more hypotheses that could explain the occupant complaints. The investigation can then be shaped to collect information that will either support or refute your hypotheses. The Hypothesis Form on the opposite page is designed to pull together the separate pieces of information that have been collected by summarizing the results of the investigation. More pages can be added if desired, but the form is designed for brief notes that can be scanned easily. As you review the information, write down